Sir Syed Ahmed Khan
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan
Pakistan Studies
Introduction:
The Mughals were succeeded by imperialist British. The exit of the last
Mughal ruler was symbol of their downfall and also an end of their existence
as an independent nation. Both Hindu and Muslims fought the war of
independence, but the British fell more on the Muslim than on Hindus. They
considered the Muslims more aggressive and militant possessing memories
of recent rule in India and, therefore more dangerous. After 1857, the
Muslims emerged as a backward nation, illiterate and hopelessly ignorant.
They could not trust neither Hindus nor British, who spared no efforts in
crushing them. They felt that they had no future in India as they were at the
lowest ebb in the field of religion, economics, politics and education. In the
darkest days of Muslim’s national life, a great personality arose. At the
critical movement, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan came to the front of the battle and
led the struggle for the national emancipation of the Muslims. This
movement is known as Aligarh Movement.
The half-century after 1857 was dominated by the leaders of Aligarh
Movement, especially by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. Their policy was based on
loyalty to the British, Government was essential for success of their
undertaking.
His Life:
Sir Syed Ahmed Kahn was born on October 17, 1817 at Delhi in a noble
family. On his father side, he was descended from the Holy Prophet (PBUH)
in the 36th degree. His ancestors fief to Iran and finally settled in Herat
(Afghanistan). In the reign of Shah Jahan, his family came to India and
were appointed to responsible posts in the court and continued until the
reign of Akbar Shah II.
After the death of his Father, Syed Ahmed Khan decided to join the services
of East India Company as a clark in the commissioner of Agra. He got his
promotion soon as was a sub-judge in Bajnore. He got through the
examination of Judiciary in 1841. during the war of independent of 1857, he
saved the lives of 20 British people. The ravages suffered the Muslims after
the fall of Delhi, left deep impression upon him. In utter despair, he thought
to migrate to Egypt. But decided to remain in India and work for the welfare
of his nation.
In 1869 Sir Syed Ahmed Khan with his son Syed Mehmood went to
England where he stayed for 17th months. There he publish his book
Khutba-e-Ahmedia in the reply of William Mior’s sub standard book life of
Muhammad in 1876.After his service, he settled in Aligarh permanently.
Ideology of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan for a very long time believed that “India was a bride,
whose two beautiful eyes were Hindus and Muslims”, considered that
cooperation of both necessary for the happiness and progress. In 1867, he
applied to Governor General for the establishment of a separate institution of
advanced learning, where Urdu would be the medium of instruction. The
Government showed interest in Urdu University but the Hindus insisted on
Hindi, as a medium of instruction for Hindu students. In Hindu opposition, he
gave up the idea. In the same year the Hindus started agitation from Benares
for replacement of Urdu by Hindi as an official language.
In Bihar the Lieutenant-Governor acceded to Hindu demand and the
agitation against the use of Urdu in other provinces, thus gained momentum.
In the defense of Urdu, the Muslims formed Anjuman Hamiat-i-Urdu, and
established its branches all over the country. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan saw that
the Hindus were offensive against Urdu not only as an indication of Hindu
cultural revival, but as a mortal blow to the unity and solidarity of Muslims.
Thus he told one of his Friend that,
“it was no longer possible for the two nations to be partners with each other
in any common enterprise”.
His work
THANKS